Celtic Increase Their Lead At Top of SPL Going Into 2009
This was another typical Old Firm encounter, both teams battling hard for the latest bragging rights in Glasgow going into 2009. The ancient rivals were missing key personnel for the latest instalment of Glaswegian passion, Aiden McGeady's club-imposed exile the greatest talking point. It was even-steven during the first quarter of the game, Rangers' Davis blazing wide when placed in a good position and credit is due to both sides for some decent football during the opening period despite the treacherous underfoot conditions.
Rangers' Dominance
As the first half wore on, Pedro Mendes was beginning to dominate the midfield area to a greater extent, and Celtic were restricted to a number of half-chances for forwards Samaras and McDonald. If one side looked like scoring, however, it was the home side who were likelier to do so. A minute after the interval, Barry Ferguson sent Kris Boyd racing clear of the Celtic defence but 'keeper Artur Boruc made a fine point blank stop from the in-form striker.
McDonald Goal
Rangers were soon to be punished for this profligacy in front of goal, and on 58 minutes a innocuous looking ball from Caldwell was flicked on by Giorgios Samaras into the path of Australian striker Scott McDonald, who fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the Rangers goal. The majority of the Ibrox crowd couldn't believe their eyes and Celtic were a goal to the good despite all the home side's pressure.
Rangers Run Out of Ideas
Celtic appeared content to offer Rangers territorial advantage in an effort to preserve their slender lead and hit Walter Smith's side on the break. Paul Hartley tried to test McGregor with a shot from distance but the goalkeeper was equal to the task and saved comfortably. Samaras should have doubled Celtic's tally when placed in a good position with five minutes remaining, but McGregor gathered his close-range header. As the hosts searched for an equaliser, Novo snatched at a chance on the edge of the box, but Celtic held on to the final whistle.
Strachan Relief
Afterwards, Celtic Manager was understandably relieved at the outcome:
"It's a game where you only need two or three bits of brilliance from somebody, and the rest of it is headers, tackles and closing down. Fortunately, we had a bit of brilliance today.It was a terrific goal from Scott. And, when he was needed, Boruc made a great save."
Rangers: McGregor, Whittaker (Novo 74), Broadfoot, Weir, Papac, Davis, Mendes, Ferguson, Adam (Lafferty 62), Miller, Boyd. Subs Not Used: Alexander, McCulloch, Dailly, Niguez, Fleck.
Booked: Adam.
Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel (Wilson 46), Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Mizuno (O'Dea 62), Scott Brown, Hartley, Robson, McDonald (Vennegoor of Hesselink 90), Samaras. Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Loovens, Crosas, Hutchinson.
Booked: Naylor, Caldwell.
Goals: McDonald 58.
Attendance: 50,403
Ref: C Thomson
